Write the next chapter in your career with a doctoral degree from the William Allen White School of Journalism & Mass Communications
Research the Narrative. Redefine the Field. Shift the System.
Join a doctoral program that prides itself on its close faculty mentorship and impactful scholarship. You will not only study media but also uncover its cultural, psychological, and societal significance and impact. You will have the opportunity to conduct research that will influence the structures behind media, communication, and public discourse. If you are a changemaker and critical thinker who wants to transform the media landscape, this program is perfect for you!
Why Our Doctoral Program
Mentored Scholarship
Breadth & Depth
Career Focus
Comprehensive. Innovative. Meaningful.
The doctoral program provides expert training and mentorship in a wide range of communication research areas. Our faculty guides students in tackling the most pressing challenges of today’s media and information landscape, utilizing both traditional research methods (such as interviews, surveys, and content analysis) and cutting-edge tools (including psychophysiology, AI, VR, and AR). Join a community of scholars engaged in shaping the future of communication research and practice.
Research Areas
Where our graduates make an impact
Since 2017, our doctoral graduates found their academic homes at the University of Missouri-Columbia, Rutgers University, Tsinghua University, Chicago State University, Hannam University, James Madison University, Kuwait University, Middle Tennessee State University, University of Kansas, University of St. Mary, Queens University of Charlotte, Washburn University, Weber State University, Marian University, and University of Nevada-Las Vegas. Some graduates are driving industry research at companies such as Intouch Solutions and ESRI.
What Can a Doctorate Do for Your Career?
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Pamela Peters
Assistant Professor of Broadcast Journalism at Western Illinois University
Monique Luisi
Associate Professor at University of Missouri School of Journalism
Mica Coelho
Creative Marketing and Social Media Specialist at Inclusion Connections
Program Snapshot
The school’s doctoral program offers innovative and rigorous education in research skills leading to original research and the creation of knowledge. The program of study leads to the student’s dissertation proposal and dissertation. Doctoral students work closely with the school’s expert faculty members, creating original research examining real-world issues. Students complete up to 46 credit hours, including a core of theory and research methods courses and 12 hours in a concentration outside of the JMC School. Following coursework, students take a comprehensive exam and then complete and defend a dissertation under the mentorship of a graduate committee.
Funding & Support
Tuition Waiver
Graduate Teaching Assistantship
Funded Research
Study in one of the best college towns in the US
Nestled in beautiful Lawrence, KS, approximately 40 miles from Kansas City, a major metropolitan area in the Midwest, the William Allen White School of Journalism & Mass Communications fosters strong industry connections and partnerships in nurturing applied and collaborative research. Major areas of multi-disciplinary inquiry are health communication, advertising & public relations, social media & digital inclusion, and sports & local journalism.
Lawrence in the News
"The American town that keeps rising from the ashes"
"This Kansas community ranks as the best college town in the state"
"Kansas town adopts Algerian team during World Cup"
Doctorate in Journalism and Mass Communications Admission Requirements
- Fall enrollment application deadline: Dec. 1
- Master’s degree or equivalent with at least a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
- Graduate application: Apply at the Graduate Admissions website.
- Application fee (nonrefundable): degree-seeking, domestic: $65; degree-seeking, international: $85
- Resume or CV.
- An official transcript from the undergraduate degree-granting institution AND all previous graduate credit, including the master's degree, sent electronically to the Graduate Application Processing Center. A hard copy is acceptable if the institution cannot send electronic transcripts.
- A copy of the master’s thesis and other examples of research and scholarship, preferably by PDF. Links to online articles are acceptable.
- Candidates will be required to answer a survey in their application related to their research focus area.
- Appropriate references from three individuals, including the master’s advisor, if possible.
- International students are required to submit TOEFL scores.
- International students are required to submit evidence of financial support.
FAQ
Domestic Applicants
In addition to learning theoretical and practical teaching skills, GTAs often work in courses where they have the opportunity to learn about research methods, get exposed to a breadth of mass communications theories, and can engage students in research projects.
Typical time to degree is three years. Students have the option to extend that. Sometimes funding opportunities beyond three years become available as part of research projects.
Yes — up to 6 JMC elective credits with a related master’s. The courses should contribute to the chosen area of study in the Ph.D. program.